DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur — Government forces seized six high-powered firearms in a joint military and police operation Saturday afternoon, April 4, following a tense armed confrontation earlier in the day that displaced civilians and heightened security concerns in a remote village.
The operation, carried out at around 4:45 p.m. in Barangay Masigay, was conducted by troops of the 38th Infantry Battalion in coordination with the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station. It came hours after a firefight erupted between two armed groups in Sitio Tambua, prompting panic among residents and forcing several families to flee their homes.
Authorities said the operation was launched to de-escalate tensions, secure the area, and recover firearms used in the violence.
Cache of High-Powered Weapons Recovered
Seized during the operation were six firearms of high caliber, including:
- One M60 machine gun
- One M4A1 rifle
- One M16 rifle
- One M14 rifle
- Two M653 rifles
Also confiscated were several magazines and ammunition, including 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds.
Military officials described the recovery as a significant step in preventing further escalation of armed conflict in the area.
Clashes Linked to Rival Armed Groups
The earlier firefight reportedly involved the group of a certain “Cmdr. Mando Santukan” of Task Force ITTIHAD and another faction led by alias “Kob Silongan.”
This incident is believed to be connected to a separate armed encounter that occurred earlier that morning, around 10:30 a.m., when the group of Silongan came under fire while traveling to meet a supposed witness tied to the recent discovery of a slain Malaysian national in the locality.
Initial reports said the group, onboard at least one white minivan, was ambushed by unidentified gunmen as they approached the residence of the alleged witness. The attack triggered a brief but intense exchange of gunfire between opposing armed factions.
Despite multiple bullet impacts on the vehicles and heavy gunfire, authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded among the estimated passengers.
Civilian Displacement and Rising Tensions
The twin incidents sparked fear among residents of Barangay Masigay, forcing an undetermined number of families to evacuate. Many sought refuge in nearby barangays or stayed with relatives as tensions persisted.
Local officials warned that displacement could increase if the security situation does not stabilize.
Military Vows Accountability
Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, stressed that authorities will not tolerate violence in the area.
“We will not condone any form of violence. Those involved in the disturbance will be pursued and held accountable under the law,” Catu said.
Meanwhile, Major General Jose Valdimir R. Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, underscored the military’s firm directive to restore order.
“Our directive is clear—there is no place for armed violence. We will intensify operations to ensure the immediate arrest of those responsible and to maintain peace across Central Mindanao,” he said.
Ongoing Pursuit Operations
Authorities have launched hot pursuit operations against the suspects who fled following the clashes. Checkpoints have also been intensified, and security forces remain on heightened alert to prevent further violence.
Investigators are continuing to examine possible links between the ambush and the ongoing probe into the killing of the unidentified Malaysian national.
As of this writing, the situation in Barangay Masigay remains under close monitoring, with authorities working to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of affected communities.